In this study, 2-Block Partial Least-Squares analysis was used to
explore the pattern of covariation between two sets of leaf morphological data
(landmarks and traditional measures), sampled on 273 trees in a mixed forest
of Quercus frainetto, Q. petraea and Q. pubescens, in southern-central Italy.
Two groups of related variables were detected and the three oak species were
highly significant discriminated by CVA computed on dimensions extracted by
2B-PLS analysis. Q. frainetto was characterized by obovate leaf blade with a
short petiole and leaves were greater than in the other species. Q. petraea
was differentiated by acute basal and apical regions, while Q. pubescens has
higher values of leaf compactness, pubescence and length of trichomes. The
high degree of classification accuracy of this combined approach advocates
its extension to other problematic species and highlights its importance as an
exploratory tool in plant ecology, physiology and taxonomy.